IBM Cloud Pak for Automation vs Nintex Process Platform comparison

IBM Cloud Pak for Automation vs. Nintex Process Platform

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

IBM Cloud Pak for Automation

Ranking in Process Automation

21st

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

5.8

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Business Orchestration and Automation Technologies (22nd)

Nintex Process Platform

Ranking in Process Automation

11th

Average Rating

7.8

Reviews Sentiment

6.8

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Business Process Management (BPM) (14th), Workload Automation (14th)

Mindshare comparison

As of January 2026, in the Process Automation category, the mindshare of IBM Cloud Pak for Automation is 1.0%, up from 0.4% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Nintex Process Platform is 2.0%, down from 2.3% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Process Automation Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
Nintex Process Platform	2.0%
IBM Cloud Pak for Automation	1.0%
Other	97.0%

Process Automation

Featured Reviews

SYEDMUJTABA

Vice President - Digital Automation Services at Techvista Systems

Effectively handles parallel instances effectively

I find it quite straightforward, perhaps around 8.5 out of 10 in terms of ease. When we upgraded from the old version of IBM BPM to the new one within IBM Cloud Pak for Automation, we didn't encounter any major issues. There were some minor ones, but they were easy to overcome.The migration process was part of our deployment strategy. We had a plan to migrate two processes per week from on-premises to the cloud. The migration involved taking the instances and migrating them to the new environment. There is an inbuilt feature in IBM Cloud Pak for Automation that facilitates the migration process, although I personally haven't conducted it myself; it's managed by my team. Overall, the setup process was relatively smooth.

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Hafiz Muhammad Usama

Manager Mobility & Digitalization at Fatima group

Have experienced challenges integrating with other systems but have benefited from improved process automation

There are multiple areas that need improvement. Nintex Process Platform needs integration with other platforms such as Salesforce and other CRM platforms. There should be actions available so we can directly integrate with these systems. Additionally, there is a gap in mathematical actions and logical actions. We need to parse data, and if we receive data in JSON, there is no action available in Nintex Process Platform to parse the data and extract data from that JSON string. Such actions and logical actions must be available in Nintex Process Platform to increase its capability. For us, Nintex Process Platform is configurable with SQL Server, but there is no configuration option available with Oracle. We also use Oracle in multiple processes, but we have found no way to directly configure Nintex Process Platform with Oracle. We have to use SQL Server in between. We have to create a link server within SQL Server as a bypass to retrieve or post data into Oracle. There were multiple improvement points available.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"What this product allows us to do is to move from on-prem instances where we are running independent instances of FileNet, Datacap, and ODM. It allows us to leverage container-based resiliency and availability modeling so that we have some visibility across the CP4BA ecosystem. We're now migrating all of our data to be in the Cloud Object Storage, and we can now use some of the features of Azure in terms of how we store and retrieve content for our members and our providers."

"I believe two significant features of IBM Cloud Pak for Automation are the focus on SLA management and the capability to handle parallel instances effectively. Parallel instances, for instance, are valuable when dealing with a large number of users, enabling tasks to be performed concurrently for efficient system operation. The SLA aspect is crucial for tracking and ensuring timely completion of tasks. Additionally, the cloud compatibility of IBM BAW allows for seamless migration from on-premises to the cloud. This version also includes a business rule management system for storing and managing business rules effectively."

"The most valuable features of this solution are that it's no code, it's very flexible, and it's easy to design."

"The capacity to integrate with external platforms. It's great to be able to call web services or other external services."

"Out of box connectivity with UiPath."

"The latest version of Nintex has many features. We have a clear roadmap and the necessary application to integrate it into our platform."

"The workflow engine of K2 is its main strength. Its workflow engine is probably one of the best, and that's the reason why Nintex bought K2. It can clearly handle any complex process or scenario. K2 is almost low-code. It is a no-code or low-code solution. You don't have to read a whole lot of code. It is pretty much GUI based. Their support is also excellent. The biggest advantage of K2 is SmartObjects, which allow you to separate the data from the application. It is a standalone application that allows you to build a data source from different places, which a lot of other applications also do. It is called SmartObjects technology, which is pretty powerful. If I have data from different applications, such as JD and ServiceNow, I can just create a SmartObject based on a data source and use it. I have some forms that have six, seven, or eight applications in a single form with data from different places."

"K2 is reasonably priced."

"It is very easy to use."

"The integration capabilities have been very useful."

More Nintex Process Platform pros

Cons

"One of the challenges we're having is finding vendors who have experience in developing on the cloud. We can find developers on the old platform, but it is leading-edge technology. So, we are having some challenges, and IBM is assisting us to find vendor partners. To be able to leverage all the capabilities of the new platform, we have to upgrade our existing ecosystem of FileNet applications. Upgrading to the new platform while trying to modernize is always challenging because it is like you have a moving target."

"I believe there is room for improvement in the user interface, particularly in the Process Portal that customers use to view and manage their tasks. The UI of the Process Portal needs enhancement. Additionally, in the next release, I would like to see improved compatibility with Angular, allowing for direct integration with front-end systems. It would be beneficial to have built-in GUI features based on Angular within the system, rather than developing separate applications externally. This, in turn, would provide a more seamless and enhanced front-end experience."

"The interface could be better and more language support is needed in the development environment or in the solutions platform in general."

"Nintex seems to be very server intensive. It is one of the reasons that we are moving to a different product on the SharePoint 2016 platform."

"K2 is a workflow solution, and there is no RPA solution with K2. This is where K2 lacks a little bit. It is just a heavy workflow solution. It doesn't have a supplemental product like RPA. If you want to use RPA, you have to use Blue Prism, UIPath, or something else. If you use Nintex, it has an RPA solution. It is a form-based application, and they are doing everything electronically. The initial investment in K2 is heavy because it is a BPM software. It does not have a low cost because they charge you the same for one workflow or 100 workflows."

"It is very flexible because you can design your own main forms, but if there were some templates according to your market, it would be more useful for a new customer. That would make K2 more user friendly and easier to use."

"The Workflow Designer needs improvement."

"We cannot use the same solution on cloud."

"We would like to design parallel workflows and long-running workflows, along with new features for connecting to cloud-based systems."

"Hawkeye is emerging as a reporting solution, but as a V1 product it’s not very useful yet."

More Nintex Process Platform cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Its cost is almost the same or comparable to what we pay with FileNet, but I'm not sure what we pay a year. A good part of CP4BA is the CPU-based licensing model. When we're dealing with 50,000 dentists, for example, if we were to use Salesforce, we would be hit with the licensing of 50,000 dentists, whereas when we build out in CP4BA, it is just based on our CPU usage, not on individual licenses."

"IBM Cloud Pak for Automation is relatively expensive, especially considering it is designed for long-living processes, not for normal automation needs. On a scale of one to ten, I would rate the pricing at around 9. There are no additional costs beyond the standard licensing fees, but IBM has multiple pricing models that make it expensive in its own way. Different plans are available, but overall, the experience suggests it is a costly solution."

"The enterprise version has some additional features that I would like to use, but the price is not fair."

"Comparatively, it's expensive."

"Prices for licenses of K2 are high."

"This solution is affordable and is cheaper than most alternatives on the market. We have a standard cloud license that costs about 20k per year."

"Certainly. Notably, in terms of cost, this solution presents a substantial advantage, being approximately forty percent more economical compared to Oracle. It offers flexibility with two deployment options, catering to both cloud and on-premises preferences. Moreover, within each deployment option, there are two variations available. For organizations with limited IT resources and relying on citizen developers—individuals from the business side comfortable with technology—the platform allows for a more hands-on approach. These users can independently implement solutions without extensive coding or custom development. In contrast, the KQ solution at Symantec is adept at addressing the needs of sectors like banking, where extensive custom development is required for seamless integration with existing applications, websites, and ensuring robust security measures."

"Nintex is around INR 200 per license in India, which is much cheaper. Smaller organizations are always looking for cost-effective solutions, and Nintex provides local solutions with very low pricing."

"For the initial hundred users, the cost is $21,000 per year, which I find too high."

"Our maintenance costs are reduced."

More Nintex Process Platform pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

No data available

Financial Services Firm

18%

Computer Software Company

16%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Educational Organization

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	17
Midsize Enterprise	6
Large Enterprise	25

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about IBM Cloud Pak for Automation?

I believe two significant features of IBM Cloud Pak for Automation are the focus on SLA management and the capability to handle parallel instances effectively. Parallel instances, for instance, ar...

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for IBM Cloud Pak for Automation?

IBM Cloud Pak for Automation is relatively expensive, especially considering it is designed for long-living processes, not for normal automation needs. On a scale of one to ten, I would rate the pr...

What needs improvement with IBM Cloud Pak for Automation?

I believe there is room for improvement in the user interface, particularly in the Process Portal that customers use to view and manage their tasks. The UI of the Process Portal needs enhancement. ...

What do you like most about K2?

The latest version of Nintex has many features. We have a clear roadmap and the necessary application to integrate it into our platform.

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for K2?

Nintex Process Platform is expensive. Prices relate to both features and the professional services necessary due to our lack of an implementation team.

What needs improvement with K2?

IBM BPM vs IBM Cloud Pak for Automation

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Product Reports

Process Automation

Download IBM Cloud Pak for Automation product report

Nintex Process Platform

Download Nintex Process Platform product report

Also Known As

No data available

K2 blackpearl, K2 Five, Nintex Workflow

Overview

IBM Cloud Pak for Automation offers design, build, run, and automation services to rapidly scale your programs and fully execute and operationalize an automation strategy.

IBM

Nintex Process Platform offers no/low-code development with system integrations and efficient workflow management, ideal for complex business processes. It's known for its scalable workflows, data management through SmartObjects, and a user-friendly visual designer.

Nintex Process Platform enables organizations to automate processes with ease, supporting electronic forms, digital transformation, and seamless department collaboration. Users on SharePoint and other integrated systems leverage its extensive workflow capabilities for approvals, onboarding, and information capture. While its current framework might benefit from performance enhancements and improved management console usability, it remains a strong choice for providing scalable solutions across industries.

What are the key features of Nintex Process Platform?

No/Low-Code Development: Enables users to develop applications without extensive coding knowledge, simplifying process creation.
System Integration: Offers seamless integration with systems like SharePoint and SAP, enhancing operational efficiency.
Workflow Capability: Facilitates the creation of sophisticated workflows suitable for complex processes.
SmartObjects: Centralizes data management, ensuring streamlined data access and usability.
Visual Designer: Simplifies the design and execution of business processes with an intuitive interface.

What benefits and ROI should users expect?

Increased Efficiency: Rapid deployment minimizes downtime and accelerates process automation.
Cost Savings: Reduces time spent on manual processes, improving operational costs.
Enhanced Collaboration: Streamlines communication and coordination across departments, leading to better teamwork.
Time Savings: Speeds up routine tasks like approvals and onboarding, freeing up resources for strategic initiatives.

Companies in sectors like government, HR, and financial services implement Nintex Process Platform for its ability to streamline and connect internal processes. It supports approval workflows, notifications, and data capturing, proving its versatility for diverse business needs. However, challenges with document conversion, performance, and cloud feature parity suggest room for enhancements, particularly in industries handling complex workflows.

Nintex

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

SEA Corp, Omnicom Group, Verizon, STIHL

IBM Cloud Pak for Automation vs. Nintex Process Platform